Zelenkoa onusta

[Paph]

Well, it's always a joy when I see the buds are coming. But just while I'm waiting the flower to be opened, they are getting dry. I don't have a clue why. This one should be the first time bloomer, but I doubt that I will be able to see any flower
The roots system are doing fine, there is enough moisture around... Any idea why this is happening?

[pavel]

I wish I could help. Branka, but mine is almost dead. It's proven to be a difficult plant for me to keep happy

[zainal abidin]

Plant and roots are ok, maybe lack of certain mineral which could not sustain the buds, could be insects or fungal.

[Tom-19951]

This species will blast the buds if you keep the plant too moist...When the plant is budding, keep the plant drier than normal(yeah, it sounds a bit crazy/not logical) and do not let the flower buds get wet.

[Paph]

Thanks guys, could be that the plant was too moist. I'll keep it a little more dry and I'll see what can be done.

[catttan]

Could be too much moisture. I had to google to find out that your plant used to be called Oncidium onustum.

[Paph]

You're right Yew, it use to be called Oncidium onusta, but was moved to its own genus almost 10 years ago.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

The plant looks really healthy. interesting that it needs to be drier when in bud..

Cheers,
BD

[opaline]

BUMP!!!!!!!!!! - any updates on your Zelenkoa Onusta Paph????? Has it responded better to drier culture!?? Thinking of mounting mine in situ with Monstroues Cacti to mirror some that ive seen in desert/arid habitat photos. Very attracted to its epiphyte characteristics on a desert cactus as opposed to the moist jungle atmos. and Maybe the only way to be lucky with this one, in situ with cactus in sunny position avoiding a too moist enviro. Anyone else had any success with this former Oncid????? My new lovely little orchid contact quoted its habit of sending roots into cactus to use the water storage supply, but its roots pretty much grow as dendros, catts etc so I debate that a bit/alot at mo, crossing the line from epipyhte to parasite?/?? Think the crevices and grooves are more likely the objective here! Will pm you Branka incase you miss this and not subscribed!!!!!

[Paph]

Matt,
certainly it needs slightly drier culture before flowering, but damn - how it is fickle...
Last year it flowered in May - well, this year, and it is flowering right now again. Only 2 flowers manage to open, the rest 5 or 6 just withered away, have no clue why...it looks like a happy, healthy plant.
I'll keep my just the way it is, even thought your thinking about cacti is not bad, maybe you know what kind of cacti would be suitable, I guess not just anyone?